Monksfields Construction Noise
Residents will be aware that work is well underway to prepare the site to the east of Love's Farm for the new 'Monksfields' development. Those closest to the construction site are enduring relentless noise and - especially given the often unsociable hours of the works - we have engaged with the developer to determine the expectations around noise and working hours. Their response is below. If you are adversely affected by the noise, please share your experiences with Cllr Marcus Pickering - marcus.pickering@huntingdonshire.gov.uk - who will collate the information and pass to Huntingdonshire District Council, the planning authority.
Response from L&Q Estates
We are carrying out new ‘Stage 1’ infrastructure works to the Monksfields Residential Development. This will consist of 1,020 residential properties, a school, sports pitches, open space areas and commercial plots.
The current works involves various earth moving operations, the construction of new foul and surface water sewer systems (including a new foul pumping station), utilities, substations, road networks to connect to the new bellmouths and roundabout constructed as part of the ongoing S278 Improvement Works being carried out by Natta on behalf of ourselves and Urban & Civic, on Cambridge Road and the creation of earthworks platforms / mounds for future open space areas.
The Works commenced on 3rd June, 2024 and are scheduled for completion on or around 26th May, 2025 (subject to weather delays).
Consented working hours are (per CEMP):
Mon – Fri: 0700 to 1900
Sat: 0700 to 1330
In respect of the complaint regarding noise, which has been described as a ‘constant clattering machine noise’, following an investigation by our Contractor, Smith Construction Group Ltd, we believe the noise was coming from the metal tracks of the earthmoving plant, specifically the tracked dozer, as it moves backwards and forwards pushing out and levelling the soil for residential earthworks platform. Our Contractor has assured us that all earthmoving plant on site is in a good serviceable condition and undergoes regular maintenance to comply with all current guidelines and manufacturers requirements. The Contractor has advised that unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to reduce the noise being generated by the movement of the metal tracks of the dozer.
In respect of the issue raised about the ‘constant clattering machine noise’ commencing at 0615 on Saturday 29th June, our Contractor has checked the site signing in register (all operatives are required to sign in and out of site) and the earliest signature was recorded at 0640. Notwithstanding, our Contractor has carried out a Toolbox Talk, attended by all the operatives on site, reminding them of the permissible working hours (noted above – includes start up and close down of plant) and the importance of complying fully with these working hours.
The current earthworks filling for residential earthworks platforms (i.e. the earthworks closest to the Loves farm boundary), which is adjacent to the Loves Farm boundary, south of Fox Brook, is due to continue until the end of November (weather permitting), but as noted above the overall Works will continue until May 2025.